Building influence before a leadership title: A journey of growth and transformation
Amit Bhatia has built a career across technical, commercial, and business-facing roles.
Throughout this journey, he has remained passionate about continuous learning, personal growth, and professional development. His experiences have given him a broader perspective on leadership, influence, and the importance of creating value beyond formal titles.
He truly believes that leadership is not defined solely by position, but by the ability to inspire, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact.
Read on as he shares his lessons learned, practical insights, and reflections from his professional journey.
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My hope is to encourage others to embrace growth, develop their influence, and recognise that leadership often begins long before a title is earned.
1. Your career journey has involved technical, commercial, and business-facing responsibilities over the years. What motivated you to pursue an EMBA at that point in your professional journey?
My Career Journey: From Technical Engineer to EMBA Aspirant
I began my career as a Management Trainee with a Swiss-based company in Mumbai, India, working as a Fresh Engineer for their Research & Development. Despite the excitement of testing circuits and contributing to innovative projects, I quickly realised that most R&D efforts were centralised in Switzerland, leaving limited scope for growth in India.
Seizing an opportunity, I transitioned to Field Services, which allowed me to travel across India and work with major utility companies. This role significantly expanded my technical knowledge and industry experience.
In 2007, a call from a French multinational corporation, presented a new challenge: joining their operations in the Middle East in Qatar. Though I had barely heard of Qatar at the time, the prospect of adventure and professional growth was irresistible.
This move marked the beginning of my nearly two-decade journey in the Middle East, where I continued to hone my skills and adapt to new environments.
The Aspiration for an EMBA: –
Even before relocating to Qatar, conversations with colleagues hinted at the region’s conducive environment for personal development, with weekends free for self-improvement. Packing my GMAT book along with my belongings, I arrived in Qatar with the ambition to pursue an MBA. However, the demands of work initially sidelined this aspiration.
In 2012, my move to the Emirates to join the company’s regional office as a Technical Leader for projects reignited my MBA ambitions.
Dubai, being a regional hub, offered ample opportunities for professional growth.
By 2013, I had transitioned to the Regional commercial team, gaining valuable exposure to various departments, including Finance, Sales, Operations, Sourcing, and Tax.
This experience solidified my desire to shift from a technical to a commercial role, necessitating a deeper understanding of business language and practices.
Then came COVID-19. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented changes. Amidst the global halt, I discussed with my wife the possibility of pursuing an MBA from SP Jain Global. In mid-July, I enrolled in the Executive MBA program, embarking on a journey that promised to be both challenging and transformative.
So far, that decision has been one of the best of my life, as the flexibility has allowed me to work and continue my education.
2. Leadership today often goes beyond managing teams; it involves influencing stakeholders, aligning functions, and driving outcomes. Has your understanding of leadership evolved over time?
Evolving Understanding of Leadership
My perception of leadership has evolved significantly over the years. I now subscribe to the concept of “Leadership 2.0,” where the traditional top-down approach gives way to a “Lead without a title” mentality.
In this model, everyone is empowered to exhibit leadership at their level, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. As the adage goes, “Trust is the new Digital Currency.”
Building trust with a broad audience and influencing stakeholders at every level is crucial for effective leadership.
3. Many professionals discover that career growth sometimes happens before titles formally change. Were there moments where you found yourself taking on larger responsibilities or influencing decisions differently?
Taking on Larger Responsibilities
Career growth often precedes formal title changes. Individuals who step up to challenges and demonstrate relentless commitment beyond their job descriptions tend to gain visibility and influence. Such proactive behaviour paves the way for discussions about promotions and title changes, as leadership qualities become evident through actions rather than positions only.
4. During your EMBA journey, was there a subject, discussion, or experience that changed how you approached business problems?
Transformative EMBA Experiences
The SP Jain Global EMBA program is designed to provide a balanced curriculum encompassing Finance, Operations, and Business.
The program’s mix of core subjects, electives, and advanced business research encourages participants to approach business problems through a research-oriented lens.
Regular presentations, assignments, and group projects enhance teamwork and collaboration skills.
One of the most impactful experiences was delving into Finance as a subject. As an engineer with no prior finance background, I found these courses incredibly engaging, leading me to choose Finance as my major specialisation.
The knowledgeable faculty played a pivotal role in my academic and professional growth.
5. Executive classrooms bring together professionals from very different industries and experiences. Did any peer interactions or perspectives leave a lasting impact on you?
Peer Interactions and Global Perspectives
The EMBA classroom brought together professionals from various industries, including airlines, banking, healthcare, and O&G. Interacting with peers who had their own businesses provided invaluable insights and a global perspective. These interactions helped me identify and address blind spots in my industry, enhancing my market awareness and strategic thinking.
6. You’ve worked in environments that require balancing strategy, commercial priorities, and execution. Did the EMBA help you connect these different dimensions more effectively?
Balancing Strategy, Commercial Priorities, and Execution
Working in environments that demand a balance among strategy, commercial priorities, and execution has always been challenging. The EMBA program equipped me with the tools and frameworks to connect these dimensions more effectively. The curriculum’s practical approach and real-world applications allowed me to implement these learnings in my professional role, driving better outcomes and alignment across functions.
7. Learning while working full-time can be demanding. Looking back, what surprised you most about the experience?
The Demands of Learning While Working Full-Time
Juggling a full-time job with the demands of the EMBA curriculum was undoubtedly challenging. The key to success lies in focusing on high-impact activities and finding the right balance.
I received unwavering support from my family, which was instrumental in navigating this demanding phase.
Completing tasks on the same day they were assigned helped manage the workload, as the next day always brought new challenges.
8. What would you say to professionals who believe leadership opportunities only come after reaching a particular designation or title?
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
To professionals who believe that leadership opportunities only come after reaching a particular designation or title, I say: Never stop learning and growing.
Leadership is not confined to a title; it is a mindset and a set of actions that demonstrate your commitment to excellence and influence.
My journey from a technical engineer to an EMBA graduate has been one of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth. I hope my story inspires fellow EMBA aspirants and professionals worldwide to embrace their leadership potential, regardless of their current title.
About the author
Amit Bhatia is an Executive MBA (2022) graduate from SP Jain Global who works with a US-based multinational company in the United Arab Emirates as a Team Leader, supporting the Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.
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